Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions, see if we have the answer below.

What should I do if my child chipped or fractured a permanent tooth?

Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If possible locate and save any broken tooth fragments and bring them to the dentist. Contact your pediatric dentist immediately.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

Rinse their mouth (or irritated area) with warm salt water, floss in between their teeth, and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give your child either Tylenol or Ibuprofen for pain if it is needed (following the manufacturer's directions). Do not place aspirin on their gums because this will cause a chemical burn.

What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?

The most important thing to do is to remain calm and not panic. Once you find the tooth, do not clean it with soap and water. Hold the tooth only by the crown (the part you see in the mouth) and try to reinsert it into the socket. If it does not go into the socket, do not force it; instead, place it into a glass of milk and call your pediatric dentist immediately. In order for the tooth to have a good prognosis, your child needs to be seen as soon as possible.

At what age should I take my child to see a pediatric dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child's first visit to the dentist should occur no later than 12 months of age. This first visit will enable us to evaluate your child and introduce you to proper oral hygiene. We will discuss with you diet, fluoride, finger and pacifier habits, and tooth eruption to ensure optimal oral health.

How important is a child's diet in the prevention of cavities?

Experts agree that cavities are not only the result of what children eat, but also, how often they eat. Frequent snacking without brushing leaves food on the teeth longer and fosters tooth decay.

How often does my child need to see the dentist?

A checkup every six months is recommended in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems.

What are dental sealants?

The chewing surfaces of children's teeth are the most susceptible to cavities. Studies show that 4 out of 5 cavities develop on the biting surface of back molars in children under the age of fifteen. Molars commonly have decay on the biting surfaces because plaque accumulates in the tiny grooves. Sealants are adhesive coatings that are applied to the tops of the back teeth and can be highly effective in preventing tooth decay by sealing the grooves.

What habits will help my child remain cavity-free?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises the following habits will promote good oral health:

1. Brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
2. Floss your child's teeth at least once a day.
3. Get enough fluoride through fluoridated drinking water.
4. Have sealants applied to the permanent molars.
5. Snack moderately, no more than twice a day.
6. Visit a pediatric dentist regularly.

What is a pediatric dentist?

A pediatric dentist is a specialist dedicated to the oral health of children and the monitoring of their facial growth and development. At Little People's Dentistry, our office is designed for treating children from infancy through adolescence, as well as medically and physically compromised children.

Why are baby teeth so important?

The first baby tooth or primary tooth is not lost until 6 years of age, and the back baby molars are not lost until 9 to 12 years of age. Primary teeth are necessary for proper chewing, speech, development of the jaws, and for aesthetics. Care of the primary teeth is important not only for function, but also to avoid a number of unpleasant conditions that can result from their neglect.